Apple iPen stylus patented in Europe with laser pointer, camera and more

Apple has submitted an extensive Apple iPen patent outlining a stylus with a laser pointer and an audio recorder among other features.

A group of Apple iPen patents have been filed in Europe, revealing plans for a modular iPen design that would allow you to modify the iPen for different tasks.

Apple would introduce different “expansion models” over time to constantly keep the iPen up to date and be able to offer increased functionality.

The late Steve Jobs openly said he was not fond of dumb styluses and thus the iPen project was supposedly born. The iPen already has over 22 patents to its name, and the new flurry of patents suggests Apple is working away on it in the background.

The latest iPen patents reveal some of its potential uses, including its compatibility with iPads, iPhones and other touch sensitive devices.

The modular design would work in that the base module would consist of the stylus tip, stimulation signal circuit, a processor and a connection interlace for connecting the base to its expansion modules.

The patent suggests module expansions could include a camera, audio recorder, gyroscope, accelerometer, laser pointer, projector and communication circuitry – not necessary with an expansion model for each.

This may sound a bit bizarre, but a gyroscope and accelerometer combined would allow the iPen to understand gesture commands.

A camera could be utilised to capture the projection surface for position accuracy, or used to scan documents.

The Apple iPen would be charged from a power source attached to the base module, or potentially using a future NFC wireless charging system.

We’ve yet to see anything of this kind from Apple as yet, but with the S-Pen stylus wielding Samsung devices proving exceedingly popular – especially the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 – Apple may be gearing up to launch the iPen this year.